TERMS OF REFERENCE

(Individual Contract Officer)

Title:
Programme:
Duty station:
Section/Unit:
Contract/Level:
Supervisor:

Financial Officer
Agriculture Services Programme for Innovation, Resilience and Extension (ASPIRE)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Programme Management
Local XXXX
Contract duration: 1 year, renewable upon satisfactory performance and available funding
Programme Manager of NCDDS

1. General Background
(Brief description of the national, sector-specific or other relevant context in which the individual contractor will operate)

The Royal Government of Cambodia has received financing in the form of a loan (USD26.1 million) from the
International Fund for Agricultural Development, a grant (USD15 million) from the Adaptation for Smallholder
Agriculture Programme Trust Fund, and Government funding (USD11.4 million) from the Ministry of Economy and
Finance to implement the Agriculture Services Programme for Innovation, Resilience and Extension (ASPIRE) for
the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). The total programme costs are forecast at
approximately USD 52.5 million (excluding contributions from USAID and beneficiaries) and will cover a sevenyear implementation period across five provinces: Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambong, Preah Vihear and
Kratie.
The goal of ASPIRE is to reduce poverty and increase the resilience of poor and vulnerable smallholder farmers
in the Kingdom of Cambodia. And the main development objective is that enhanced models of agricultural
services are formulated and put into practice by 2021 in order to assist a diversity of smallholder farmers to
contribute to broad-based economic growth through profitable and resilient farm businesses.
The National Committee for Democratic Development at Sub-National Level (NCDD-S) is the Implementing
Agency for Component 4 of ASPIRE, Climate Resilient Infrastructure. Component 4 contributes to Outcome 3 of
ASPIRE, At least 120,000 smallholders have improved and resilient farm businesses as a result of integrated,
demand led extension services and investments in climate resilient infrastructure. It is planned that there will be
around 70,000 direct beneficiaries of investments in climate resilient infrastructure by sub-national administrations
at District and Commune levels. Through synergies with NP-SNDD and with other interventions of NCDD-S
supporting climate change adaptation at sub-national level, ASPIRE will contribute to mainstreaming Climate
Change Resilience into Sub-National planning and finance systems. It is planned that up to 30 Districts and 180
Communes/Sangkats will receive financing in the form of Performance Based Climate Resilience Grants. In
addition, NCDD-S will facilitate smooth cooperation between the sub-national administrations and the agriculture
activities of ASPIRE.
The ASPIRE Financing Agreement was signed between RGC and IFAD on 05 March 2015 and the program will
become fully operational by July 2015. Accordingly, RGC is seeking the services of qualified individuals to fill a
number of advisory, technical specialists and programme support positions at national and sub-national levels.
2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
(Concise and detailed description of activities, tasks and responsibilities to be undertaken, including expected travel, if applicable)

Under the guidance and supervision of the Programme Manager NCDDS, the Financial Officer shall be
responsible for performing the following duties in accordance with NCDDS,and MAFF ASPIRE guidelines,
policies and practices:
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A. Main duties

Ensure application of appropriate payment procedures including review of supporting documentation

and reports against requests for payments either as direct payment, increase of imprest accounts
level and replenishments.
Assist in providing training as necessary to implementing Sub-national staff of ASPIRE team work in
proper budgeting procedure, disbursements, preparation of payment requests of advances, financial
reporting and filing.
Liaise closely with the Provincial Finance Advisors and Provincial Finance Division staff as necessary
on all matters pertaining to financial management to ensure effective coordination and to ensure that
all procedures under the ASPIRE programme.
Liaise closely with the Finance Officer at ASPIRE Secretariat as necessary on all matters pertaining
to financial management to ensure effective coordination and to ensure that all procedures under the
ASPIRE programme.
Ensure timely preparation of consolidated periodic reports for this programme.
As required, carry out monitoring visit to provinces to ensure that financial management procedures
are properly understood and being performed and to identify areas where additional training is
required.
Prior to consolidation, review financial reports submitted by the provinces against implementation
agreements with the donor and ensure that information is properly recorded in the financial
information system.
Maintain proper of accounts on the computerized accounting system and management of ASPIRE
programme bank account.
Ensure timely transfer of funds from national to provincial account and D/M and C/S account.
Collaborate with internal and external auditors as required.
Prepare correspondence letters related to financial matters to concerned institutions.
Ensure maintenance of supporting documents in proper order and form for the project expenditures.
Perform other duties as require by the Programme Manager.

B. Support to Implementation of ASPIRE

Finance Officers work will include (1) smooth financial implementation of the ASPIRE Programme
Component 4 within the national and provincial level.
Demonstrates commitment to ASPIREs mission and objectives.
Displays gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Ability to establish and maintain effective rapport with civil servants, other advisers and with all key
NCDD stakeholders

3. Qualifications and Experience

(List the required education, work experience, expertise and competencies of the individual contractor. The listed education and experience
should correspond with the level at which the contract is offered.)

a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)

Relevant University degree, preferably in Accounting and Business Administration and/or

combination of equal experience in financial management/accounting
b. Work Experience
(List number of years and area of required work experience. Clearly distinguish between required experience and experience which could
be an asset.)
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Previous experience in relevant areas

Previous experience in sub-national democratic development including sub-national financial system
Previous experience in financial management related to climate finance at Sub-national level
Substantial experience of the government financial system
Previous experience in capacity development activities in climate financial management
Previous experience in preparing and consolidate financial report to DPs.

c. Key Competencies
(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment.
Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies)

Financial managerial and administrative ability needed to ensure smooth implementation of ASPIRE
programme.
Familiarity with the global climate finance and with the concepts of Climate Finance at Sub-national
level
Ability to work with national, provincial government officials, other advisers and consultants
Understanding of, and ability to work within government systems
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Proven ability to work as part of interdisciplinary teams

d. Languages

Fluency in English and Khmer is essential;

e. Skills

Financial Rules and Regulations

Good knowledge and understanding of RGC administrative processes, especially those relevant to
execution of sub-national administration budgets;
Good knowledge and understanding of RGC sub-national budget planning processes
Good knowledge and understanding of D&D issues, especially as they relate to the field of budget
planning
Good knowledge and understanding of Global Climate Fund
Good knowledge and understanding of desktop computer use (EXCEL, Word Processing, Peachtree
and computerized accounting system)
Good communication skills, interpersonal, written and spoken, in Khmer and English
Fast learn and can work in team.

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